Get kids in to the spirit of camping by bringing their sleeping bags, or blankets and pillows for use inside the tent. Read books about camping to set the mood and discuss some of the things they think they might encounter on a camping trip.
Sing camping and campfire songs. Pass out lyrics to traditional campfire songs and lead the kids in singing.
Make a traditional tent treat such as s'mores. To keep this activity safe for preschool children, use graham crackers, chocolate fudge sauce and marshmallow cream. Toasted marshmallow cream is available at some grocery stores.
Make a mock campfire to place outside of the tent. Have kids pile up twigs, branches and sticks in a circle leaving a hole in the middle. Tape strips of red and orange tissue paper to the edges of a portable fan. Place the ran in the center of the twigs and turn it on, so that the strips of blowing paper look like a flickering flame.
Close the door to the tent to darken the inside. Have kids all face one direction. Show the children how to make shadow puppets using their hands and a flashlight. Play a game of 'Guess the Animal' and let little ones add sounds to help the others guess what shapes they are making.